The world of art and design is always evolving, and the same holds true for automotive design. While vintage cars are revered for their craftsmanship and historical significance, the next generation of car designers must also look forward. This philosophy is driving the San Francisco Academy of Art to auction off more than 100 classic and vintage cars this weekend through Broad Arrow Auctions.
The collection, originally built by Richard A. Stephens, the late university president, was meant to inspire students and car enthusiasts alike. However, his daughter Elisa Stephens, the academy’s current president, has decided to refocus the collection on cars from 1960 and later, shifting towards more modern classics and muscle-era vehicles.
Auction Highlights: Rare and Historic Automobiles
The auction will feature a mix of pre-war luxury, post-war sports cars, and some quirky oddities. Among the notable cars going under the hammer:
High-Value Classics
- 1933 Chrysler Custom Imperial Dual-Windshield Phaeton – A hand-built masterpiece, but not ideal for modern car design education.
- 1934 Packard Twelve – Reportedly owned by Hollywood actor Cesar Romero.
- 1932 Marmon V-16 Convertible Sedan – A rare and prestigious luxury car from the Great Depression era.
- 1937 Squire Corsica Drophead Coupe – A striking example of pre-war automotive craftsmanship.
- 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing – One of the most iconic and valuable cars of all time, expected to exceed $1 million.
Affordable Classics & Unique Finds
For those without deep pockets, the auction also offers more budget-friendly collector cars, such as:
- MGB GT Special – A beautifully restored British classic in an elegant shade of green.
- 1967 Volvo 1800 S – With just 10,000 miles, this Swedish icon is a bargain compared to new SUVs.
- 1963 Buick Riviera (No Reserve) – A sleek Regal Black model with a 340-hp 425-cubic-inch engine and hideaway headlamps, similar to the car Leonard Nimoy drove during his Star Trek years.
Rare and Quirky Cars on Offer
- Amphicar – A car that can drive on land and water.
- Messerschmitt Kabinenroller – A tiny, three-wheeled microcar.
- Citroën 2CV (Ripple Bonnet) – An early model of the famous French economy car.
Why Is the Academy Selling These Classics?
The auction isn’t just about downsizing—it’s about modernizing. The Academy of Art has indicated that it wants to rebuild its collection around cars from the 1960s and later, particularly muscle-era vehicles and Japanese sports cars.
This move aligns with the academy’s focus on teaching automotive design. While early 20th-century cars were built through traditional handcrafting techniques, today’s students must study modern materials, aerodynamics, and evolving design trends.
“Tomorrow’s car designers must take inspiration from the past while shaping the future,” the academy suggests.
Possible Additions: Muscle Cars and Japanese Legends
While the academy has not specified exact replacements for the auctioned vehicles, there are strong hints that they may expand their collection to include legendary Japanese cars.
One key figure in this decision is Tom Matano, the head of the Academy of Art’s auto design program. Matano played a crucial role in designing two of Mazda’s most beloved models:
- Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA-Chassis) – The first-generation Miata, a car that redefined the affordable sports car market.
- Mazda RX-7 (FD-Chassis) – The twin-turbo, third-generation RX-7, an icon of 1990s performance cars.
Both cars have evolved from mass-market sports cars to automotive icons, making them perfect additions to an educational collection for tomorrow’s car designers.
Could these pop-up-headlamp Mazdas become the new “rolling works of art” at the Academy of Art? It’s entirely possible.
The Academy of Art’s auction represents a shift in focus—one that acknowledges the beauty and craftsmanship of classic automobiles while recognizing that design education must evolve.
With legendary cars from Packard, Chrysler, and Mercedes-Benz leaving the collection, the academy is making room for the next generation of automotive icons. Whether it’s American muscle cars, Japanese legends, or modern supercars, the new collection will continue to inspire and educate future car designers.
FAQ’s
Why is the San Francisco Academy of Art auctioning its vintage car collection?
The academy is selling over 100 classic cars to refocus its collection on vehicles from 1960 and later, with an emphasis on modern classics, muscle-era cars, and Japanese sports cars.
What are some notable cars in the auction?
The auction features high-value classics like a 1933 Chrysler Phaeton, a 1934 Packard Twelve, a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, and an unrestored 1963 Buick Riviera.
Who originally built the Academy of Art’s car collection?
The collection was started by Richard A. Stephens, former university president, and later expanded by his daughter, Elisa Stephens, the current president.
What types of cars might replace the auctioned classics?
The academy has hinted at adding more muscle-era cars and Japanese classics, with possible additions including the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Mazda RX-7.
When and where is the auction taking place?
The auction is happening this weekend through Broad Arrow Auctions, with bidding available online and in person.